St Vincent De Paul Society

The St. Vincent De Paul Society is a volunteer based charity befriending those in need on a person to person basis.

Although not a grant giving charity, the Society may, depending on location, be able to provide assistance in other ways, such as befriending /visiting, clothing, food, furniture debt counselling and transport.

There is no restriction on the disease or medical condition suffered by beneficiaries, and we support anyone in need regardless of age, race and creed, including women at risk, unemployed people, the homeless, those disadvantaged by poverty and refugees.

Apply in writing or by email to the Administration Officer, detailing the need and including contact details.

Subject Definitions

Services offered to those who may require an advocate.
An advocate is a person who can support a service user or carer through their contact with health services. Advocates will attend meetings with patients and help service users or carers to express concerns or wishes to health care professionals. Although many people can act as an advocate (friend, relative, member of staff) there are advocacy services available that can be accessed through the Trust.These advocates are trained and independent.

A common form of dementia of unknown cause, usually starting in late middle age. It is characterized by memory lapses, confusion, emotional instability and progressive loss of mental ability. It is named after Alois Alzheimer, German neurologist, who described it in 1907.

This is the term used to describe experiences such as chronic fear, tension and panic attacks. Some people have an overwhelming feeling of dread that prevents them getting on with everyday life. Sleepless nights and recurring thoughts are common, as well as nausea, palpitations, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. Anxiety is the most common mental health problem people experience.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. In the great majority of cases, autistic disorders are present from birth or become apparent within the first three years of life. People with typical autism have no interest in social interaction, little or no language, and tend to live in their own world. Asperger's syndrome often applies to those who are more able, who have better language development, and who have more social contact. Asperger's syndrome may first come to notice in adult life.

Services offered to those who are eating an abnormally large amount of food within a certain amount of time. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of lack of control over eating. Binge foods often have a high caloric content, high sugar, and/or high starches. The food is usually eaten very quickly and most often, hidden, or eaten secretly.

Services which protect vulnerable people, enabling them to be as independent as possible and get the most out of their lives. This could be in a temporary crisis or in a longer lasting situation. Also support services for mental health carers.

Dementia is characterised by confusion, memory loss, poor problem-solving and poor concentration. There are many diseases that lead to dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's disease. Dementia usually occurs in older people. Dementia in people under 65 is known as early onset dementia. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a rarer form of dementia that shares characteristics with both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Vascular dementia occurs when cells in the brain are deprived of oxygen. Many symptoms are the same as other forms of dementia, however there are some differences.

Old age consists of ages nearing the average lifespan of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. Euphemisms for older people include advanced adult, elderly, and senior or senior citizen. Older people have limited regenerative abilities and are more prone to disease, syndromes, and sickness than other adults.

Gambling (or betting) is any behavior involving risking money or valuables (making a wager or placing a stake) on the outcome of a game, contest, or other event in which the outcome of that activity depends partially or totally upon chance or upon one's ability to do something.

Huntington's Disease is a genetically inherited condition that causes both physical and mental problems. It also features alternating periods of aggression, anger, excitement and depression, and progressive loss of memory and personality (Dementia).These psychiatric disturbances may appear before the movement disorder or may develop later. Bizarre behaviour alone may be the first sign of the disease.

Parkinson's Disease is more common in older people. The disease affects the connections in the brain causing them to malfunction.This results in movement disorders such as tremor and stiffness.The disease progresses steadily over years eventually causing severe physical and mental disability. Symptoms can be treated with medication.

This is a psychotic disorder marked by delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking and speech,
inappropriate emotions and/or lack of emotions. It is characterised by serious disturbances of thought and perception which cannot be attributed to brain damage.

Abuse of a sexual nature such as rape, incest, fondling, and indecent exposure. Sexual abuse can cause various physical and emotional problems including lack of self-esteem, self-destructive behavior, anxiety, and depression.

When a person is feeling suicidal they can also feel very self-destructive.
The meaning is as follows:
Suicide (from Latin sui caedere, to kill oneself) is the act of intentionally ending one's own life; it is sometimes a noun for one who has committed, or attempted the act.